[victoria humane society]

When the opportunity came up to volunteer with the Victoria Humane Society, I jumped at it! Spending years photographing dogs who are in transition awaiting forever homes, I've always let the dog dictate how I'm going to photograph them. Don't want to sit and pose? No problem, I'll just just have a seat and let you come to me, or run with you, or take photos from a distance. It's not the rule, but more often than not, the dog will be nervous of the camera and/or the shutter click, so the challenge isn't necessarily getting the photos, it's how I'm going to put them together so I can highlight the dog's personality in the hopes someone will come across their profile and see a soul mate. But doing this not only ensures that I get to meet a ton of dogs (hundreds and hundreds in the last 4 years alone) - including one of my favourite experiences of getting to hang with 43 retired sled dogs at for three days - I have the privilege of going behind the scenes of shelters, into foster homes and vet hospitals to share the work that goes into getting dogs ready for adoption. Highlighting those who need a bit of extra help, or to share the stories of those we've loved and lost, I will be there with camera in hand and an open mind for the animals who are spending time in a home away from home.Please visit the Victoria Humane Society website or facebook page for more stories, adoptable animal profiles and ideas on how you can help - whether by donating, volunteering, adopting, or just spreading the word!

through rain and sleet and snow...

Sunday, March 4, 2017 in Victoria, BC - started out with ok weather, but on my way out to the kennels to photograph some adoptable dogs, it SNOWED... hard. And then wet snow, and rain. It was awful, I almost pulled the plug, but I knew there were volunteers waiting for me and the dogs would be ready to go. I'm so glad I didn't postpone it. The dogs were one of the most relaxed bunch of dogs I've ever photographed. We did a group of 3, then a group of 4 and they just hung out with their volunteer escorts getting and giving loves. It was a giant love fest!By the time we were done, the sun came out as I headed to a foster home to photograph one more dog, Reggie. Just when I thought the dogs couldn't get any sweeter, I met him, His tail would not stop, he leaned in for hugs and loves to both me and my husband - two strangers he'd never met. Although he was nervous of the shutter click on my camera, he recovered well and took all the treats and pets I could give. ​Thank you to volunteers Aima, Darragh, Katelyn & Natasha and to Cathy, Reggie's foster mom.But most of all, thank you to these incredibly lovely dogs who through no fault of their own are looking for new digs. A place they can curl up and feel safe and will be treated with the love and compassion they deserve. Bae, Felix, Bella Bean, Liam, Snape, Jesse, Oscar and Reggie.For adoption info, please visit the Victoria Humane Society website, or their facebook page!

will you be my valentine? | feb 2016

With most animals in foster homes, I can't always be the one to photograph the adoptable animals. But I can help by using the wonderful foster-family photos of the VHS adoptables to make up special-themed cards to be shared on the VHS facebook page.With Valentine's Day on Sunday, it's only appropriate I make up special-edition VHS Valentine's cards!Just look at these cuties... will you be my valentine?

january 9, 2016 > Purdy's Puppies

Sometimes my volunteer gig is a tough one... I mean, hanging out with TEN adorable puppies for an hour... or two - who's keeping track of time?At about 7-weeks old, this chocolate-themed litter is so ridiculously cute, but not as cute as their mom, Purdy. But Purdy has a home, so now it's time to find homes for the pups, but I have a sneaking suspicion they'll be adopted up in no time... once they get their spay/neuter surgeries, of course!Thanks to April for opening her home to the pups... and us humans and to Heather for helping me keep track of them all!

may 26, 2015 > Furry Features

We had a death in the family this week. We knew it was coming, but it doesn't make it easier. But time and dog therapy helps. I was going to wait to go get photos, but this compulsion of mine won't stop and I knew it would be something that would give me focus on something else. The time flies by and the world stops. Today I got to meet some new retired sled dogs who are ready for adoption. Hurricane I met back in 2013 up at the kennels in Whistler. He's famous for chewing up my lens cap, which I still have and will keep as a reminder. Things with his human have changed and he's in need of a new home. He's smart, sensitive and very food motivated!Stuart Little, Tag, young Zazou were just love bugs. Cherry's going to take some time, but I'm sure once her confidence kicks in, she'll be a lap dog.Cole, Mr Big and Shadow were kind enough to sit and pose and smile - very patient.. Nothing like photographing black dogs in the sunshine.

Lastly, I must thank Nichole, the owner of the kennel who boards the Victoria Humane Society dogs. She's so patient with me and helps with wrangling the dogs... and today she took a photo that makes me cry. I prefer to be on the other side of the camera whenever possible, but when hugging a dog, all bets are off. Thanks Nichole!

me + zazou

apr 20, 2015 > Furry Features

Spending years photographing dogs who are in transition awaiting forever homes, I've always let the dog dictate the photo shoot. Don't want to sit and pose? No problem, I'll just follow you around, or even just have a seat and let you come to me... or don't come to me and I'll just photograph from far away. It's not the rule, but more often than not, the dog will be nervous of the camera and/or the shutter click, so the challenge isn't necessarily getting the photos, it's how I'm going to put them together so I can highlight the dog's personality in the hopes someone will come across their profile and see a soul mate. Here's what the dogs told me on my visit to the kennels where they're awaiting forever homes...In addition to Goldie, Harry, Khaleesi, Rosa, Trixie and Ellie, there was Piper. He got his own video... Piper Loves Tummy Rubs.

mar 26, 2015 > Retired Sleddie Promo Video

The Victoria Humane Society was getting a lot of questions about adopting sleddies so I made up this video! Wish I could've included ALL of my sleddie buddies, but that will have to wait for my upcoming book!

mar 16, 2015 > Whistle :: update

What can I say except this wee girl had so much fight in her, but ultimately, whatever it was that was making her so ill, well it won.She was skinny and frail, but had spunk and energy enough to engage with the people around her. She was a trooper and I'm lucky to have had the chance to meet her. Rest in love in peace.

mar 14, 2015 > Samantha

Sweet Samantha.The beauty was transferred from a remote community with a broken leg. She's had surgery and is on the road to recovery, but she has to have short physio appointments during the day and those aren't very pleasant for her. But she endures it because it means she gets out of her kennel and into loving arms.Whoever is lucky enough to adopt Samantha is going to see her shine.

mar 14, 2015 > Whistle

L'il Whistle.At almost 9 weeks old, this wee retired sled dog puppy is fighting for her life.Test upon test has been done and although a couple conditions have come up, treatment isn't consistently working. So more tests have been done. I was there for her last blood test before going back to the vet for round the clock care.She is beyond skinny, but she's got spunk and energy. When you hold her, you have to be careful of her tummy because it hurts her. She travels by box because being in the crate is too stressful for her and keeping her low-stress is the key because when she gets stressed, she heaves and vomits.She's got a great team behind her and tons of love and support. Stay strong l'il Whistle!If you'd like to make a donation to help for Whistle's care, please visit: www.victoriahumanesociety.com

mar 11, 2015 > ahhh... retired sled dogs

I have a very soft spot in my heart for retired sled dogs and these guys are no exception. There is a different energy with these dogs - perhaps it's because of their working backgrounds - but I know one thing for certain... they are some of the sweetest, most gentle dogs I've ever met. For more about my journey with retired sled dogs, visit here.

mar 11, 2015 > an afternoon with (adoptable) dogs

There is something about the feeling of being surrounded by a whole bunch of dogs... I love it. Whether they're big or small, it doesn't matter. So when I go to the kennels where some of the Victoria Humane Society dogs hang out while awaiting adoption, I jump at it. I don't try to get them to sit pretty or stay... if they sit, it's great, but I like to just watch them do their thing - run, play, trot along, get loves from whoever is there helping (thanks Nichole!) - because this is most likely what you'll see when you bring them home and I think it helps to show their personality. Anyways, this bunch was awesome - from little Cricket who trundled along to Khaleesi who is part jack rabbit to Devi, who would offer up her tummy as soon as you stopped, Darcy who was more interested in watching the action, Cali who was playful but showed she would sit for the squeaky sound and Ellie with her furrowed Ridgeback brow who could run like the wind and the puppies Olivia & Sandy Beach whose energy was contagious... what an amazing bunch of pups!

mar 9, 2015 > Bingo

Bingo came into care with a crushed trachea. As you can see, his poor wee head is swollen - when I pet him, it was soft and you could tell how much pain this little guy must've been in. Thanks to pain meds, he was kind of out of it, but he was so, so sweet. Good luck little dude!

mar 8, 2015 > Miss Misty von Wigglebum :: update

I got to visit Miss Misty after surgery and it went well. Her leg has been saved for now, but it's still early days. Wishing this sweet little girl all the best for recovery.If you'd like to donate to her care, please visit: www.victoriahumanesociety.com

mar 6, 2015 > Miss Misty von Wigglebum

Misty came into care with a broken leg requiring surgery. It was uncertain whether or not she would be able to keep it, but I will be following up after surgery and will share a photo update.This young gal had one of the wiggly-est bums of any pittie I've seen so I thought she needed a new name...

feb 27, 2015 > introducing the Brady Bunch litter!

Meet the newest litter of puppies in foster with the Victoria Humane Society!These pups are only about 5 weeks old so they need some more time in foster care until they'll be ready for adoption. They were an absolute delight to hang out with and payment came in the form of puppy kisses, nibbles and snuggles... worth it every time. And Greg's eyebrows... so adorable.Thanks to creative team of Heather & Chris for coming up with yet another litter theme! These pups totally suit their names. For adoption info: www.victoriahumanesociety.com

feb 24, 2015 > hank

I jumped at the chance to put together a video to remember the amazing, yet too short, time Hank's foster family got to spend with him. Supplied with an incredibly touching write up and 30+ images, this is what I came up with. To read the write up made in his memory, please visit post from Feb 24, 2015 on the Victoria Humane Society facebook page and make sure you've got some tissues handy.

feb 7, 2015 > gus turns ONE!

In preparation for the big day on February 13th, I put together this video of Gus - some of my photos and some from the facebook page. Gus is the VHS spokesdog. He was born on the day of the VHS official launch and he came into care a few weeks later. He was sick. It turns out he was diagnosed with Persistant Right Aortic Arch, which basically means he'll have to eat sitting upright in a specially made Bailey Chair for the rest of his life. Since he needed such close supervision, from the get-go he came everywhere - to all VHS events. He met other dogs - big and small - and LOTS of people. Not sure a dog has been more hugged (or photographed) than this guy. And he takes it all in stride. Everyone is just so proud of him - especially his foster family, who have become foster failures.

jan 27, 2015 > bestest benji the day before surgery

The reason two-year-old Benji came into VHS care is sad. But Benji is not. When going to photograph this little bundle of cuteness, every time I knelt down he'd come over and put his paws on my lap and want up. He gave kisses so freely and just wanted love... back rubs, tummy rubs... just love.Whoever adopts this fella will get love in spades.He was so inspiring, I still photos weren't enough - I had to make a little video, so turn your volume up and watch one and a half minutes of Bestest Benji!UPDATE: Benji did great in surgery and is healing up and ready for his forever home!

jan 25, 2015 > max's big day

Max had some bladder stones, but they're all gone now and he's on the road to recovery!Heal up buddy and see you again!

jan 3, 2015 > heart to heart: together we can save them all

dec 13, 2015 > happy

Happy. Her name says it all. This wee one lost her eye, but hasn't lost her spirit...

oct 4, 2014 > national pet adoption day at bosley's, royal oak

Armed with a couple adoptable puppies on hand to add smiles to the faces of the shoppers (thank you Maggie & May!), to little 14-year-old Tuffy who's still awaiting his forever home, plus a whole lot of VHS alumni stopping by to say hi, we're having quite the time! Thanks Bosley's at Royal Oak Plaza for hosting us and helping to promote adoption!

sept 17, 2014 > man and his dog fashion show and fundraiser

Thank you to Outlooks for Men and Glo for putting on this amazing night of fluffy faces and dapper dudes. Even a sprinkling of rain couldn't stop this night full of fashion and fur.Some of our VHS adoptables even got to strut their stuff on the dogwalk and we're so proud of them! Great job Lily, Buddy, Puck, Bruno, Diesel and all the puppies!

july 23, 2014 > retired sled dogs learn about walkies

A sled dog operation in Pemberton, BC, closed and the dogs who worked pulling sleds needed a home. They were scared, nervous of everything and hadn't had much positive human contact. But VHS volunteers stepped up and started to help ease the dogs into positive contact with humans by sitting quietly with them, and taking them for walks in a rural setting to get them them used to walking on a leash and encountering new sights and sounds.... here is one of their first walking excursions... and even the young ones came out to help.

july 6, 2014 > pups for pride, vhs at the pride parade

I wasn't sure it was a good idea. Load up two little dogs and two cameras and head downtown to be a part of the Pride Parade with the Victoria Humane Society. As part of my photo project of documenting the first year of this amazing, new rescue, I try to make it to as many events as I can… and since I knew this would have all sorts of colour, I thought I'd bring the two Cocos (my the Mister and my sister, the little Miss) and see how it went…. All the pups on hand were decked out in Pride finery... from ties to tutus - and the humans did a pretty good job of colourfying themselves as well. And aside from the fright of some popping balloons while waiting to go, these two little muffins, as well as all the dogs, did very well… some even got carried for most of it, which was fine because it made them even cuter. But somewhere along the way, while juggling the Mister on my shoulder and my camera I must've hit a button - still not sure which one… but it was button that switched the ever-colourful parade, monochrome, yes it was just suddenly shades of gray. But instead of trying to figure it out what the hell just happened, I decided to just got with it. I may have some of the only b+w images of a parade known for it's vibrancy and energy, but that's ok. I will embrace them and hope they still impart some of the "colour" of an amazing afternoon.

I am so proud of this amazing organization and their commitment to helping animals. Their slogan of "Let the love begin" has taken hold, and they are now truly, letting the love continue... for all beings.

Thanks to both Marg + Melissa for getting a couple snaps of me and the pups, and to Ivana for carrying the little Miss Coco along the parade. xoFor more info on the amazing work of the Victoria Humane Society, visit their website, or "like" their facebook page!

june 28, 2014 > out and about with the vhs

Over the last few months the VHS has been out and about ALL OVER Victoria. From a comedy night fundraiser at Heckler's to a campaign launch at Max Furniture, from the Victoria Day Parade, to the Oak Bay Tea Party parade, from the Pets West 25th birthday celebration to the grand re-opening of Island Pet Source... and lots of other events in between, they are out and about and whenever possible, have puppies to meet and people to greet! Visit their facebook page to find out where they'll be next!

feb 17, 2014 > izzy in her foster home

Izzy has allergies... serious allergies. The kind that have turned her skin pink, scabbed, raw and smelly. The kind that make her breathing sound congested and have swollen the pads of her feet so she limps. It's undetermined what's causing all of this, but the Victoria Humane Society is going to do everything they can to get to the bottom of it and get her well. She's only six so she's got a lot more years of playing and silliness ahead of her. This little girl was well loved, that I can tell. She loves to snuggle up on the couch and if she was feeling better, she seems like she would love to be outside sniffing and trundling around the neighbourhood - in the nice weather, of course. She's confident and has great manners, and gets along with other dogs. She will be in foster care until her allergies are under control, but it's going to take time, patience, money and love. I will consider these just the "before" photos... I know she'll get better in time... so please follow her updates on the Victoria Humane Society's facebook page, or visit their website for information on how you can help Izzy and all of the other animals who come into their care.

feb 13, 2014 > the launch :: let the love begin

It was all hands (and paws) on deck as the Victoria Humane Society officially launched! Sure they've been in operation for the last three months and in that time have helped over 100 dogs, 30+ cats and some bunnies, but now they've got a website, a logo and are looking to raiseenough moneyto purchase property for a shelter. For all the details and how to donate, please visit their website!

jan 17, 2014 > mollie and tillie in their foster home

Mollie was left locked in the enclosure at the dump in Logan Lake. I met her back on Jan 10 (see photos above) and she was just shaking the whole time. She had to be carried out to the car and she had shut down. Well, it's been a week and she's a different dog! Although she's still shy of new people, it's clear that she's relaxed with her foster family. She's a lovely girl and is enjoying the company of her foster sibling, Tillie , who is also available for adoption. Thanks to Norma and Gord as well as their lovely, patient, sweethearts, Angel and Taffy, for sharing their home.For adoption/donation/foster information, please contact the Victoria Humane Society.

jan 14, 2014 > olive

Olive is a 2 yr. old chi/weenie (chihuahua/daschund mix) who, due to genetics, has two knees that need to be repaired. She's had her first knee surgery and is recovering well. Olive is currently in foster care and will require her second knee to be surgically fixed so that she can continue to live a happy and active life. This surgery costs approximately $4000. and the Victoria Humane Society is accepting donations. Please visit their facebook page for details on how you can donate/help!

jan 10, 2014 > new rescues

Mollie was left at the dump in Logan Lake. Thankfully there's a fantastic network of people who are helping animals in remote communities... and Mollie's one of the lucky ones! I went along with Penny Stone to meet Mollie and six puppies (not hers) who were heading into foster homes.